SALT LAKE CITY — Family, friends, and community members gathered Monday morning for former Utah Congresswoman Mia Love's funeral service at the University of Utah's LDS Institute. Following the service was a brief patriotic ceremony.
Love, who represented Utah's 4th District from 2015 to 2019, was the first Black Republican woman to serve in Congress. She died on March 23 after a multi-year battle with brain cancer.
Watch: Mia Love's husband Jason Love honors his late wife's memory
“Today we’re coming to honor our good friend, Mia Love,” said Kari Malkovich.
Malkovich wanted to be sure people knew Love's story and the impact she's left behind.
“You know, she was a patriot. She loved our country, being an immigrant and her parents from Haiti," said Malkovich.
Watch: Mia Love's children (Abi, Alessa and Peyton) read from 'My Living Wish for the America I Know'
There were a lot of people like Malkovich who showed up to the service — people who won't forget what Love meant to them.
“I think that it’s wonderful that she’ll be remembered for the wonderful contributions she made,” said Robin Allred.
Allred was Love's neighbor in Saratoga Springs. She cherished her friendship with Love and appreciated her hard work.
“Approaching our politics with less contention and just standing for the things we believe in, and she was amazing at that. What a great influence she was in my life and I’m just grateful for that,” said Allred.
Watch: Utah Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson remembers late friend Mia Love
Tom Valletta, a longtime friend, said he'll remember Love's tenacity and her service to the community.
“She was a leader — and not because of her political position but just because she would go after stuff and be an example to others of just not backing down” said Valletta.
Watch: Mia Love's sister Cyndi Brito speaks about her sister's memory
And, perhaps more than anything else, for people like Malkovich, the service was a way to say goodbye to someone she'll really miss.
"We’re going to mourn together, we’re going to remember our friend who has left us way too soon,” said Malkovich.
Watch: Bishop Taylor Yates delivers opening remarks at service for Mia Love
The family has asked those looking to honor Love make donations to either the Robert Preston Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University or the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
